Navigating Teen Mental Health Struggles: 7 Ways Support Helps Moms

Laurie Moser . Published September 25, 2023

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Parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs, it’s like a terrifying and yet thrilling rollercoaster ride. When you're a mom with a teenager grappling with mental health issues, those challenges can feel overwhelming and isolating. That's where support becomes not just helpful but absolutely essential. On some of my darkest days, what got me through was the support from friends and loved ones. I know from personal experience just how valuable and crucial getting support is for your mental health and well-being.

Here are 7 ways support can make a world of difference for moms parenting teens struggling with mental health challenges:

1. Emotional Resilience

Support, whether from friends, family, or support groups, provides a vital outlet for the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies parenting teens with mental health challenges. It allows you to share your feelings, fears, and frustrations with others who understand, helping you build emotional resilience and cope better with the stresses of the situation.

2. Shared Experiences

Connecting with other moms who have faced or are currently facing similar struggles with their teens helps you realize that you're not alone. Sharing experiences, both triumphs and setbacks, fosters a sense of camaraderie and connection. Knowing that others have walked this path and found their way through it can be a tremendous source of strength.

3. Knowledge and Resources

Support networks offer a wealth of knowledge and resources. Other moms may have valuable insights into therapies, treatments, or strategies and tools that have worked for their teens and families. They can recommend books, websites, podcasts, courses or specialists that you might not have discovered otherwise. This shared knowledge can be invaluable in making informed decisions about your teen's well-being. In the last few years, I have learned from books, podcasts, courses and different experts about, so many effective and helpful parenting tips and tools that have changed the way that I parent.

4. Reduced Stress

Parenting a teen with mental health challenges can be incredibly stressful. Having a support system in place can help alleviate some of that stress. Whether it's a friend offering to drop a meal off for your family or a family member assisting with household tasks, these gestures provide much-needed relief and allow you to recharge. YOU need to recharge your battery. If you burn out, you can’t be there to help and support your teen.

5. Different Perspectives

Support comes from a variety of sources, each with their unique perspectives and approaches to parenting. While it's important to trust your instincts, exposure to different viewpoints can broaden your understanding and offer alternative solutions to the challenges you face. The old saying you don’t know what you don’t know, rings true with parenting. Sometimes when you’re stuck in the same pattern and cycle of parenting it’s hard to see how you can do things better or differently. Learning from others can provide you with new tools and ways of parenting that will be more effective. Even kids within the same family, have different needs and will require you to parent uniquely for them.

6. Learning from Mistakes

Parenting is a journey of trial and error, and there's no such thing as a perfect mom or a step by step playbook to follow. With a supportive network, you can embrace the learning process without fear of judgment and shame. Friends or support group members can provide constructive feedback, advice and help you grow as a parent without feeling like you've failed.

7. Strengthened Family Bonds

Ultimately, support helps strengthen the bonds within your family. When you have assistance from others, you can focus on being more present and emotionally available for your struggling teen. This connection fosters trust, communication, and understanding within your family, contributing to a healthier environment for everyone.

Support is a lifeline for moms navigating the stress, isolation, uncertainty and frustration of parenting teens with mental health challenges. It empowers you to face these difficulties with greater resilience, confidence, and hope. Whether through friendships, support groups, or professional networks, never underestimate the power of a strong support system. It not only helps you parent better but also nurtures your own well-being and the well-being of your teen. Plus, you set the example for your teen on what getting help and support looks like and why it’s essential for mental health. So, reach out, connect, and let the support in – together, we can find strength and healing in shared experiences, stories and shared challenges.

You’re stronger together. You’re not meant to do this alone!